A night of football that felt like finals

Greeting Steemit Family

There are days when you just wish every match played could have been the final. That is how intense and entertaining they are. Just from the names and reputations of the teams involved, excitement builds long before kickoff and lasts long after the final whistle. That is always the case when powerhouse clubs clash for a particular spot. The fans engage in their own “match” on social media, creating hype and sparking heated debates even before the actual game begins.

This week has been particularly emotional, following the tragic death of two Portuguese footballers, Jota and his brother. Competitions have continued, but many matches have opened with tributes and moments of silence in their honor. On social media, the football world is still talking about their shocking passing. But even in mourning, the ongoing FIFA Club competition could not be ignored. Especially with PSG facing Bayern in a battle for a semi-final spot.

PSG has performed strongly both in their domestic league and UEFA competitions, making them one of the tournament favorites. While the world mourns, fans of PSG and Bayern have been exchanging online ahead of the big quarter-final clash happening this evening. Another exciting match will be Real Madrid vs Dortmund. Over the past two years, Madrid has dominated the German side in the Champions League. Real Madrid fans boast of their supremacy, while Dortmund supporters hope this will be the moment their team turns things around.

Both games had the feel of a UEFA Champions League night, big names, big histories, and big expectations. Two German clubs, one from France, and the other from Spain. All respected football giants with something to prove.

The first match of the night saw PSG take on Bayern Munich. Both teams are champions in their respective domestic leagues and have shown impressive form. The game started fast and intensely. By the end of the first half, Bayern’s forward picked up an injury that will reportedly keep him out for 4–5 months. This injury sparked fresh controversy about the timing of the FIFA Club competition. Players are barely getting rest between seasons. After this tournament, they head straight into the next season, which risks player fatigue and long-term injuries.

The second half resumed with Musiala substituted due to his injury. That is when the match picked up pace. PSG received two red cards but still managed to win the game 2–0. That means they are through to the semi-finals but will be missing two key players.

The Real Madrid vs Dortmund match kicked off later in the evening. After all the online hype, it was time to let the football do the talking. And what a match it was.

In the first ten minutes, G. Garcia scored for Madrid. Ten minutes later in the 20th minute, F. Garcia, a defender, added the second goal. Real Madrid took an early 2–0 lead. Dortmund dominated possession but struggled to break through Real Madrid’s solid defensive line. That is one major improvement in the current Real Madrid squad. A much more compact and disciplined defense compared to last season. The first half ended with Madrid comfortably ahead, and Dortmund did not look like they had much hope.

The second half began, but Dortmund’s approach did not change much. They continued holding the ball, trying to find a way through. Madrid made some substitutions, most notably introducing K. Mbappé into the attack. The game became more thrilling during added time, when Dortmund finally scored their first goal. That changed the tempo, and both sides went all out. Just as Dortmund pressed for an equalizer, K. Mbappé scored Madrid’s third goal. Shortly after, Dortmund got their second goal from the penalty spot, following a red card given to a Madrid player.

The match ended 3–2 in favor of Real Madrid. A tough loss for Dortmund, but an exciting match for the fans.

So far, this competition has recorded several yellow and red cards. Since the introduction of VAR into football, many decisions are either reversed or confirmed after reviews. There are mixed opinions about it. Dortmund players were especially frustrated when a previously awarded penalty was reviewed and then canceled.

In two days, PSG will face Real Madrid, a much-anticipated semi-final clash. It will also be the first time Mbappé faces his former club since leaving last year. That alone has fans buzzing on social media, with plenty of banter and speculation. This is one of those moments football fans live for. And while the world continues to remember Jota and his brother, the game goes on with stories unfolding on and off the pitch.

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